Impact! [Willowlake Student Ministries]

Winnipeg Harvest!

2011-09-26T22:26:00.001-05:00

Hey all,
This week we are heading to Winnipeg Harvest. We will MEET THERE for 7:00 p.m. and will be done at 8:30.

Adults are welcome too! Please let me know ASAP if you are coming as we are limited to 25 people.

Thanks!

Rock the River!

2011-09-13T16:05:00.000-05:00

Sorry this is late - things keep popping up on me!

So it's finally here! Rock the River is this Saturday from 4-9 p.m. and it is FREE! We will meet at The Forks around 3:45 in front of Sugar Mountain Express (the train cars at Waterfront Dr & Forks Market Rd.) We'll also meet there for pickup shortly after 9 p.m. Please let me know by Friday who all is coming - bring friends!

Parents, you're also welcome and encouraged to come too! It will help me out with keeping track of everyone in a large crowd and who knows, you might enjoy yourself! I'm not sure how many people total they're expecting and if it will be a zoo or not ... I'll have my cell with me; make sure you have my number in case you're having trouble finding us or something changes. Texts is the best way to go!

Teens can leave early if they like - 5 hours might be a bit much. They can use my phone to reach you if they don't have their own, and we can arrange something then. Or, they can leave on their own if you make that clear to me ahead of time.

See you Saturday!

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

Impact! New Youth Year Starts This Week!

2011-09-06T11:16:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

Well, it's that time of year again! Youth group will get underway this week on Friday, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the church.

This year we are calling youth "Impact!" and, as the name suggests, it's all about God and the impact He has on our lives. Not only that, but it's also about the impact that we, even as teenagers, can have on the world around us when we live centred on Christ's love. I've been thinking and working on this theme for the past two months and am very excited to see what God has in store for us this year. For both the parents and teens out there, I ask you to join with me in prayer throughout the year. This is the first and most important step we can take together.

This year will see us serving more often than last year and I am excited for that. Every second month we will be going to Winnipeg Harvest to help them in their sorting at the warehouse. These nights are open to everyone, not just teens. I hope that these nights will become a special evening where young, old, and in-between serve side-by-side. Willyn and myself have also had discussions about possibly doing something to bless people on the streets of our downtown-core and we hope to be able to do something this year.

This year will be busy - especially the fall. We have Rock the River coming up quickly, and also will be going to Winkler Bible Camp in November for the MB Youth Retreat. Be sure to check the blog often for now (changes are coming to the church website soon which will keep everything in one place finally!)

Look forward to seeing everyone at our first night of Impact! this Friday!

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

That's It, That's All

2011-06-20T17:49:00.001-05:00

Hard to believe, but we are done for another year! I'm hoping that there are a few different opportunities for us to gather as a group throughout the summer. If not, I hope you have a fun and safe summer!

Peace

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

Down in . . .Water

2011-06-13T18:45:00.004-05:00

Wow, another year has come and gone! Craziness. To celebrate the end of the school year we are going to Fun Mountain this Friday with Cornerstone youth group! We will meet at the church at 6:00 p.m., and arrive back at the church at 9:30 p.m. Cost is only $5.00 (I'll pay the other $5/student), but you may want to bring some cash for consessions. Bring your trunks, towel, etc. Right now the forecast is calling for rain and a high of 21. I guess we'll be getting wet anyways, so . . . ;) Sandra and I do have a covered shelter reserved.

Don't bring any valuables besides your cash for food & drinks; I can look after that for you, but I won't be babysitting your iPod, phone, or books (Micah!) :p

I will send out waivers tomorrow!

p.s. you can find food prices by clicking here, and check out their FAQ here.

p.p.s. If parents want to come along, you are more than welcome!!!!!

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

Mid-week this week?

2011-06-06T11:27:00.002-05:00

We are looking at doing a Wednesday night Bible study this week as my brother is getting martyred this weekend in Brandon. Are you able to come? Please let me know if this works for you or not; it would be from 7-9 this Wed.

Also a reminder that our youth windup will be friday, june 17 at fun mountain waterside park! You will need to sign a waiver which I will send out later this week.

Later

--
Michael Thom
Youth Pastor/Church Administrator
Willowlake Baptist Church
-sent from my android device

This Week is Normal

2011-06-01T21:22:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the late update! It's been a busy week already :)

This week is just a normal youth group from 7-9 at the church! Hope to see you there; we're coming up on the end of our year already!

Still trying to figure out details for a grad party next week or the week after. My brother is getting married on the 11th, so we might need to move youth that week to the 9th or 8th perhaps. What works for you?

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

Lookin For Something To Do This Summer?

2011-05-27T07:59:00.004-05:00

How's about Siloam Mission's "Under The Radar"?! It's a 4 day/3 night camp, and is aimed at putting homelessness in plain sight. You will have service opportunities, educational sessions, and even entertainment! Cost is $125 if you register by June 1st, or $150 if you register after. Camps run the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd week of July. You can register by clicking here, but talk to me first! If there's enough interest we could go together.

It's open to anyone between 14 and 18.

Minute to Wini it Youth!!!!

2011-05-24T12:27:00.000-05:00

Alright folks, get your game faces ready!!!! This week we are bringing back our epic and infamous Minute to Win it night! We will spend the two hours playing lots of the different games from the tv show. Trust me, this is always a blast - ask anyone!!! There will be Prizes too! Bring a friend as well. Whoever brings the coolest friend gets a special prize (kidding).

Also coming up, we are getting together with Cornerstone a couple times in June! June 10th will be a grad supper at Willowlake for Domi and Dana - more details to come shortly! June 17 we will have our "windup" at Splash Mountain (or whatever the waterslide place is called). I'll have info on pricing available shortly.

See you Friday!!!!

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

Youth This Week

2011-05-10T08:19:00.001-05:00

Hey, sorry for the late post - I've been (and am still) quite sick. Youth is on this week at the church from 7-9 p.m.

Thanks to everyone who came out to Harvest last week and brought food! I weigh 153 lbs, we brought 150 lbs of food. So close, but so far away! haha.

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

Food.

2011-05-02T14:02:00.000-05:00

I like food. When I'm hungry, I eat. I'm pretty luck that when I'm hungry I just walk over to the cupboard and grab something. However, not everyone even here in Winnipeg & Manitoba has that privilege. This week the youth group and TnT are heading to Winnipeg Harvest to help sort food for those in need! We will be leaving Willowlake at 6:30 p.m. and pickup will be at 9:15 p.m. ALSO VIRGINIA MOORE HAS COME UP WITH A GREAT CHALLENGE . . .

HERE IS THE CHALLENGE:

Bring as much food to donate as I weigh. As of two minutes ago I weigh 153.2 lbs (all of it pure muscle I might add!). So, your challenge is to bring at least 153.2 lbs total of food to donate to Winnipeg Harvest. Short notice - can you do it?

Also, please let me know ASAP if you are coming so we can arrange rides. Parents if you're able to drive, that's definitely a bonus! Pastor Mark is coming so we might need 1 or 2 more adults yet. There is a limit on how many people can come as well (25) so first come, first serve kinda.

See ya!

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

Off For 2 Weeks

2011-04-17T19:20:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone,

just a reminder that there will not be youth group for the next two weeks. For those of you that were at youth this past week, I hope you remember the words that were spoken. Follow Jesus and his example. Be humble. Be courageous. Be holy.

Later!

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

This week!

2011-04-11T22:31:00.001-05:00

Back at the church this Friday from 7-9. This will be our last youth
for a couple weeks so hope to see lots of you there!

--
Sent from my mobile device

Back At It!

2011-04-03T13:13:00.001-05:00

We are back at the church this week, Friday from 7-9 p.m.! I guess there will only be two youth groups all of April :/ Good Friday is this month, and the last Friday of the month Katie and I will be in Banff with Mark & Mary at the CBWC Assembly.

Coming up:

1-I've been talking with Terry Whiting, and we are looking at him leading an evening discussion for teens and sexuality. Not sure when yet, but will keep you updated

2-I'm considering an evening once a month for our older teens (grade 10 & up maybe? or grade 11 & 12). Not sure exactly what this would look like - perhaps just a hang out night at my place or at the church? Input is welcome!

See you this Friday!

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

No Youth

2011-03-27T21:32:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder that there will not be youth this week. Enjoy your Spring Break!!!

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

Pizza?

2011-03-21T14:28:00.001-05:00

Hey-o.

Hope everyone had a good weekend! I've been thinking that since next week is spring break we might have a bit of a party this week! I was thinking pizza and a movie! First I need to see how many people are actually going to be around though, so email me ASAP and let me know if you'll be at youth this week!

Also, there wasn't enough interest in the Moose game or Manitoba YC, so I guess both are no-goes :(

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

This Week - Africa?!

2011-03-15T11:04:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone!

We are at Willowlake this week, on Friday from 7-9 p.m. I'm hoping to get Micah to share with us about the Doerksen's trip to Kenya . . . I just have to remember to ask him this time!

Coming up there are a couple possibilities of things to do on our radar. The first is a Manitoba Moose game on Friday, April 8th. Cost would be $10/student. Please let me know ASAP if you are interested in this so we could arrange this!!!!

The other thing I have been thinking about is YC Manitoba, which is April 29 - May 1 at Church of the Rock. Because we are not going to SERVE this year I thought we could go to YC again . . . however, the lack of progress on the kitchen has left us without a fundraising opportunity to cover a good portion of costs. Also, with me working 3 jobs within the church, I haven't had much time to plan/organize extra events. Cost for YC is $110/student if we get registered by March 24th (whoops! pretty close), or $120 if we register between then and April 14th. YC looks pretty good this year. You can take a look here: http://www.ycmanitoba.com/ The major problem right now: I'm supposed to be in Banff for the CBWC Assembly that weekend and preaching at Willowlake somehow at the same time (I was in 3 places at once last week; went pretty well actually)! So, given the obstacles do we take the easy route and just not go to YC nor SERVE this year? Or, do we look at other possibilities? Again, please give me your thoughts on this ASAP (within this week, preferably).

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

March 11

2011-03-10T11:16:00.001-06:00

I could use about two or three extra days in the week this week! Nevertheless, youth is tomorrow night from 7-9 at the church. Hope to have a huge crowd out. BIG announcement!

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

Youth Cancelled Tonight

2011-03-04T12:37:00.000-06:00

My apologies, but I am cancelling youth tonight. I'm coming up on my third week of being very sick and I need to slow down and try to rest over the weekend. We will be back in action next week from 7-9 at the church.

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

Jesus & Charlie Sheen

2011-03-01T12:09:00.001-06:00

Hey all,

this week we are at the church on Friday from 7-9. Perhaps some mario kart on the big screen again - but first we'll be talking about Jesus & Charlie Sheen. Yes, I am for real! Also, I believe Micah will be back, so make sure to come as I'm sure he'll have a story or two for us!

Bring a friend, bring your Bible, bring your game face!

Michael Thom

Youth Pastor/Church Administrator - Willowlake Baptist Church

45 Willowlake Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R2J 2Z4

cell: (204) 365-7250

FUN!

2011-02-22T20:36:00.002-06:00

Youth is this Friday from 7-9 at the church. I'm sick and I'm trying really hard right now to think up witty and creative things to write . . . but, I can't :P

Just come out!

Reminder: No Youth!

2011-02-14T12:43:00.002-06:00

Just a reminder that there is no youth this Friday! I am hoping that many of you get to spend time together over the long weekend as a family; whatever your family may look like :) I am also hoping that Friday I will actually get an entire day 0ff - my first one in 6 weeks. YAY!

Don't forget that Willowlake's Winter Fun Day is on Monday at Harbourview starting at 1:00 p.m. Enjoy Riel day!

Coming Up

2011-02-06T19:15:00.002-06:00

So, we are back to Willowlake this Friday from 7-9p.m. Hoping that we can pack the house this week!

Feb 18th there will be no youth group (there will not be youth group???). Anywho, take the Riel weekend and have fun with family!

This week is going to be a hard week for me; I just found out that one of the young men shot and killed Saturday night downtown was a young guy that I worked with and was very close with in the North End. I'm actually pretty angry right about now, so I'm going to quit typing, but you could please pray for me this week.

Thanks,

Cliff

Youth to MB MissionFest!

2011-01-31T17:50:00.005-06:00

Hey all,

we are going to Manitoba MissionFest on Friday night! We need to leave Willowlake by 6:30 p.m. and will likely return around 10:00 p.m. (the event ends at 9:30 p.m.). Admission is FREE, but there is an offering. We are going with the TnT peeps - should be a good time!

SORRY TO YELL, BUT PLEASE LET ME KNOW BY TUESDAY IF YOU ARE COMING! THANKS :)

This Week!

2011-01-25T15:36:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone!

We are back at Willowlake this week, Friday, from 7-9 PM.

Next week on Feb 4th we will be going to Manitoba MissionFest's youth night with the pre-teens. It is FREE! I need to know how many are coming by Tue Feb. 1st. We will likely need to borrow a mini-van. If you are willing to lend yours, or if you're willing to drive and tag along please let me know ASAP!

Thanks :)
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone on the MTS High Speed Mobility Network

Guys & Gals

2011-01-17T22:57:00.002-06:00

This weekend is, of course, the Beautiful Unique Girl event at Willowlake starting on Saturday afternoon. As our girls are getting a special event, I am hoping to do something just for the dudes. I was thinking Saturday night bowling maybe at Coronation Lanes in St. B (www.fivepin.ca). With all the different things going on the past few weeks I forgot to get a hold of them, but will do so tomorrow (Tuesday) morning and make sure we can still book a few lanes. Cost would be $5 each. Let me know ASAP if you're interested!

Peace

2011 Kickoff!

2011-01-10T19:21:00.003-06:00

We're back in action this week! At the church from 7-9 p.m. on Friday night. We are switching back to all Friday nights for the winter. We will mix in games & Bible study.

Parents, any interest in hanging out with each other on the main floor during youth groups? I could have coffee ready for you if there is. I know 2 hours is not a lot of time when you're dropping off teens and then have to drive back to the church, so feel free to stick around and visit with each other instead!

See you all Friday!

REMINDER

2011-01-04T12:53:00.002-06:00

Hola amigos! Que pasa? Just a reminder that there is no youth this week - we will be back in action January 14th at the church from 7-9 p.m. Comprende? adios!

PARTAAAAYYYYY!!!!!!

2010-12-13T18:45:00.001-06:00

It’s party time! Hopefully you all received the email & hard-copy invites. So, again, our place is at 2207 Henderson Highway; right on the corner of Glenway.

You can arrive by 6:00 p.m. and disperse anywhere between 10:00 & 11:00 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a toonie for Samaritan’s Purse. We’ll purchase a gift together on Friday.

Also, please remember to bring a snack to share. Doesn’t matter what; i.e. chips, brownies, death by chocolate trifle (hint hint Mary :p), whatever! I’ll provide the pizza and pop.

And remember, GRADE SEVENS are invited!!!!

Look! This is a map; it even shows where we live. Good idea, right?

FRIDAY This Week

2010-12-07T18:35:00.001-06:00

Remember how I said I might need some extra grace come January? OK,
I'm invoking that now! LOL. Totally forgot what day of the week it was
already, or that there even was youth this week. Whoops! :p

Youth is Friday night at the church from 7-9. We'll study the Word,
play some games (Blokus anyone???) And be all around cool people!

Next week we will have our Christmas party! It will be at mine and
Katie's house on Friday the 17th. Things will get underway at 6PM.
We'll have pizza and pop and everyone can bring a little snack maybe?
I say instead of a small gift exchange this year we'll put some money
towards a gift for someone else from the Compassion Canada gift
catologue. Bring a toonie each for that and I'll throw in the rest,
and we will pick a gift together! More details will follow later this
week.

Peace,
(a very tired and confused) Cliff :)

--
Sent from my mobile device

Gimme FUEL

2010-11-29T18:24:00.001-06:00

Hey Hey Hey,

Back to a Wednesday night Bible study this week! 7-9PM, you know the drill. This will be our last Wed night event of 2010. The next two weeks will both be on Friday night.

Dec 17 will be our 2nd annual National Lampoon’s Christmas party – make sure to wear your best Christmas sweater! We may have it at the church, but we may have it at my house! I’d like to have a Christmas party for everybody here, but this will be right in the middle of exam time for Katie and I, so we’ll have to keep you updated on that one!

Thinking about Jan-June 2011, I think what we will try this time around is a wider mix of Wed & Fri nights. On weeks that there is TnT or LnL we will have a Friday night games night at the church, and weeks that there is not pre-teen we will do the Wed night FUEL Bible study. This will cut down on driving for parents with younger kids, and will still allow me to get a break on weekends every couple weeks. Both Wed and Fri evenings would be 7-9PM. Thoughts? mike@willowlake.ca

Peace,

Cliffy!

p.s. Great job to all the teens for shovelling on Friday night!

Bring a Shovel!

2010-11-22T22:02:00.003-06:00

Hey hey, it's time for a Friday night youth group!!!! Right now Friday's forecast is sunny and -11 . . . I'm kind of praying that it snows! Here's the deal; bring a snow shovel Friday night, whether it snows or not on Friday, and we will walk through our neighbourhood and see if we can find any driveways or sidewalks that need shoveling out! Then we'll head back and have hot chocolate, play some games, and all that. And DON'T BE A HERO - wear a touque, mitts, boots, etc! We haven't had a service project this year yet, and this is a great suggestion for something we can do in our community! And don't worry Micah, because your arm is broken you can be foreman ;)

There is LnL on this week as well, so we will be done by 9PM for you parents who have offspring at both events.

A Blog Post

2010-11-15T17:43:00.001-06:00

Yup, this is a blog post. Youth this week is Wednesday evening for another instalment of FUEL. We will be studying Romans 13:11-14, which is the passage Pastor Mark is preaching on this week. Make sure to bring your Bible. If we get over 15 teens out I will have an AMAZING announcement . . . maybe :p Bring your Bibles!

FUEL This Week

2010-11-08T16:00:00.001-06:00

Well, those of us who went at least had fun at the Bombers’ game last week! It was fun to hang out with some of the teens and yell and scream and act like animals; ok, not really any different from any youth group but still fun! Don’t pay attention to the empty seats behind us; they only seem empty! :p

This week we are back for FUEL Bible study on Wed night at the church from 7-9 PM. There is no school on Thursday so I’m hoping to have lots of teens out! This week we will finish off 2 Thessalonians. It’s a short chapter so read the entire thing ahead of time! We’ve taken a bit of a more ‘ad-libbed’ approach to the Bible studies, still in search of that ‘perfect’ approach to studying together.

Also I’m wondering if we should have a parents meeting soon, or if just another survey would be the easiest? With Pastor Mark leaving on sabbatical soon, and other duties falling upon me this winter I’m asking for a lot more grace than usual :)

Cliff

Turning 101

2010-10-17T17:15:00.003-05:00

Yes, the last post was our 100th post. woohoo! lol

Anyways, just a reminder that this coming week youth is on Friday night (Oct 22nd). Sound like we'll be having a 'minute to win it' showdown. I'll round up some prizes this week. Bring a friend out!

I am away in Calgary most of the week, so if you need me email is the way to go. Also, next week I am in Vancouver until late Friday so there will be no youth at all.

Later skater

This Week

2010-10-11T22:35:00.001-05:00

Youth group is on Wednesday this week, 7-9 PM at the church. We will
be doing our 4th installment of the FUEL Bible Study. Just a reminder
that the previous studies are available for download on the left-hand
side.

Next week youth will be on Friday evening from 7-10 PM. I'm thinking
video game tournament right now.

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving,

Michael

--
Sent from my mobile device

High Octane

2010-10-04T16:48:00.003-05:00

This week youth is again on Wednesday evening, at the church from 7-9 PM. We will be doing our third installment of our Bible study, FUEL. Make sure to bring your Bibles again! We will be studying 2 Timothy 2:8-15, so feel free to read over it a couple times before you come and reflect on what it means.

If you’ve missed a Bible study (or two) they are available to download, right here on the left hand side! The hope is not only for the teens to study a bit more of the Bible, but that these studies provide an opportunity for family discussion. I know it’s hard to find time to do so, but I’m hoping that you will make the time to do so, somehow.

***ALS0***

The annual Manitoba Youth Retreat is again at Winkler Bible Camp this year. It is from Oct. 22-24. HOWEVER, I don’t know if we are going yet. I am supposed to be in Calgary for some denominational meetings the week leading up to the retreat and then Vancouver the following week and would like some time at home with my wife (and my schoolwork) in between if at all possible. We were supposed to have a Friday night youth group on the 22nd, and I am wondering if we can simply go ahead with that still? My trip to Calgary is up in the air right now, but for sanity sake I’m wondering if either way we can miss this retreat? It’s hard, because the teens enjoy the retreat (usually :p) and it’s a good opportunity for them to mix with other Christian teens, but the scheduling of the weekend couldn’t be at a worse time for me. Let me know your thoughts, please, by email or comments here.

Hope you’re all enjoying the amazing autumn weather!

Word up,

Cliffy

I ONCE WAS LOST

2010-09-27T10:54:00.001-05:00

Well, the temperatures are cooling, the leaves are changing colours, the combines are in the fields, it can only mean one thing: Corn Maze baby! Yup, youth is on Friday this week, and we are heading to A Maze in Corn just south of the city, along with Cornerstone and FEC youth groups! Cost is only $2.00/student. PLEASE EMAIL Michael BY TUESDAY EVENING IF YOU ARE COMING!!

We’ll meet at the church to leave by 6:45 PM and be back for pick-up at the church at 10:00 PM. Bring a friend if you like; $2.00 for them as well. We will have a fire pit, hot dogs, marshmallows, etc. Bring some change if you want drinks or anything else from the concessions. There’s also prizes up for grabs.

Again, please email Mike by Tuesday evening if you are coming so transportation can be arranged.

Thanks,

Michael

Don’t Let Your Tank Run Dry!

2010-09-23T15:50:00.003-05:00

We had our second FUEL Bible study last night and another good turnout, and even better discussion! At the end of each Bible study there is opportunity for parents and teens to interact with each other about the passage and application. Parents, don’t let this opportunity slip by!

If you missed the first FUEL you can download a copy of the leader’s guide I made here and the student’s copy here.

The second leader’s guide is here and the student’s copy here.

Soon I’ll have them available on the left hand side as they become available (PSSST TAKE A LOOK TO THE LEFT: THE 2 BIBLE STUDIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD AND THE REST WILL BE AVAILABLE AS THE WEEKS PROGRESS!!! YES, I AM AMAZING).

I am glad we’ve made this switch; things seem to be headed in a cool new direction.

Cliff

Fuel #2

2010-09-20T21:34:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone!
Youth is once again on Wednesday this week - Fuel Bible study #2! I'm
still trying to decide which passage to study this week. I'm wondering
how many of you talked together in your household last week about Fuel
#1 and the discussions? I'm sure EVERYONE did! :p

Next week we are going to the Corn Maze with FEC and Cornerstone. I
will give you more details this week!

Later skaters,
Cliff

--
Sent from my mobile device

The Facebook

2010-09-15T12:17:00.004-05:00

Great things happen when parent's give suggestions & feedback. Case in point, Willowlake's youth group is now on facebook! If you find it difficult (i.e. you're forgetful) to get to this blog and check the new posts, but you're an avid facebooker then add the youth group as a friend. You can find the profile here: http://www.facebook.com/willowlake.youthgroup

New posts from the blog are automatically updated as notes in facebook and should show up in your news feed (depending on your settings though).

To see things like videos you'll have to click on 'view original post' at the bottom of the facebook note.

FUEL - The first tank!

2010-09-13T12:26:00.003-05:00

This Wednesday (Sept 15) is our first youth Bible study! It will be from 7-9PM in the youth room. This week we'll have an introduction to the year and a study on 1 Timothy 2:1-7. Feel free to read it over a few times and think about it. I'm looking forward to this new direction and hope to see lots of you out!

ARE YOU READY????

2010-09-06T21:23:00.003-05:00

Basically:
First youth of the year this FRIDAY from 7-10 PM @ the church!
Games & Prizes!
Bring a friend!
Watch the video!

Later!
Cliff

Vids from SERVE

2010-08-26T12:31:00.002-05:00

I've gathered others' vids from SERVE 2010 and placed them here for your viewing pleasure :)

SOON!!!

2010-08-17T20:16:00.001-05:00

Hey everybody,
Summer is almost over (booooo), which means youth is starting soon
(yayyyy). Just a little wake up call. Soon the calendar will be full
with all the details and this space will be filled with life once
again.

See you all soon!
Cliff

--
Sent from my mobile device

Done & Done

2010-07-17T20:37:00.001-05:00

We are home. That's about all lol. Very tired, very sore. Finishing up
a vid for church, and will try and get you all DVDs soon.

Later

--
Sent from my mobile device

On the road again... ETA

2010-07-17T10:12:00.001-05:00

Literally just left town; early ETA is 6:00 PM @ FEC

--
Sent from my mobile device

Last Day!

2010-07-16T14:53:00.001-05:00

Having trouble with my phone last night so didn't get an update in.
FINALLY finished our job this afternoon. The windows and doors of Flin
Flon First Baptist are painted and their deck is stained. We're at
Wal-Mart now getting snacks for tomorrow's bus ride. Talent show
tonight, gonna show off my sweet drawing skillz or nunchuk skillz; I
haven't decided yet.

On the road tomorrow by 8:30 AM hopefully. If the trip up is any
indication that means we'll be @ FEC by 4:30 PM. I'll get the teens to
call when we are about an hour and a half out or so; they can give you
a better idea on arrival then.

Later

--
Sent from my mobile device

It's raining, it's pouring

2010-07-13T23:23:00.000-05:00

The old man is snoring; for real. We got rained on most of the day and half the people in our room have now moved to sleep in the hallway due to excessive snoring from one of the leaders lol.

The video blog just isn't working out I guess; too many people gone too many directions in the evening. All in all, despite the weather, it was not a bad day. Got lots of work done, and our guest speaker has been helping us out with our work! Jared Berryman won a game, Willyn jammed with the band, and the others seem to have had a really good time. Its a 50/50 split on work ethic though, lol. That's all I got to say about that ;)

Tomorrow we work for the morning then we are off to Baker's Narrow with Cornerstone & FEC for a day @ the beach.

Goodnight - Keep Praying!!!!

ZZZZZZZZZ

2010-07-13T07:53:00.000-05:00

No video update from yesterday - I fell asleep
too early. We had a few delays in the morning
that set us back in our work but once we got
going it was not bad. Not great, but not bad lol
(scraping paint is not fun). These boys need
more proetein in their diet! Off to catch the bus
for this morning. Later

Day 1 - a success?

2010-07-11T23:53:00.000-05:00

I'll get a quick video update tomorrow night for
you all! Today was a good day; started with
church @ Flin Flon First Baptist then a chilli
lunch provided by the church ladies - they've
got nothing on Terry's horse meat chilli :p.
Spent most of the day hanging out and getting
to know others. Enjoyed supper together then a
concert and the first from our speaker Lynn
Cole. Then a couple games and finally bed!!!! I'
m waiting for Baden to fall asleep so I can try
and steal his air matress - hope he's a deep
sleeper ;) Start work Monday; we will be
painting and sprucing up Flin Flon First Baptist!
All the teens are doing well and making new
friends! Keep praying - safety, fun, weather and
health (I have had a fever off & on today).

More tomorrow!
Cliff (as everyone already knows me as lol)

SERVE - Preface

2010-07-08T21:14:00.002-05:00

This Week

2010-06-16T14:31:00.002-05:00

Hey all,
sorry for lack of updates; I think I'm nearing a nervous breakdown!

Anywho, this week we are meeting at Willowlake for 7-9PM. This is our last time at the church for the year!

Next week we will be serving at Union Gospel Mission on Saturday, June 26 from 6PM - 9PM. Pickup and drop off there!

This Week is Special!!!!!!

2010-05-31T19:19:00.002-05:00

Hey People!
This week we are celebrating the graduation of Emily & Gordon!!!! We will meet a little early this week and end a little earlier; 6:30 - 9:30. We will be sharing a celebratory meal together, that's why the earlier start. We will be having pizza, salad, dessert. Please bring $2.00/teen to help with costs! Could you please let me know by Tuesday (tomorrow) evening if you are coming?
Thanks!

Also, SERVE people, don't forget this Friday is your last chance to get me your registration costs!!!!!

Back at it!

2010-05-26T12:43:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone,

I hope you had a great long weekend! I spent most of my time working at the cabin getting the plumbing and electrical working again. A couple more days and the cabin should be in good shape and this means we can hopefully take a trip out there again as a youth group sometime this summer or fall!

But, enough about the future, let’s talk about the present. We will be meeting this week at Willowlake from 7-10. Part of the evening will be spent producing a video (hopefully one where Jared doesn’t end up puking at the end of. haha!). This is your chance to be famous. Seriously. To find out what exactly I’m talking about make sure you’re there!

Also, a reminder that next week will be our grad party for Gordon and Emily! We will share a meal and stories, and possibly song … if you know what I mean ;) Because this is a supper we will start early – 6:30 to be precise and go to 9:30. I will need to know by next Tuesday if you are coming so I can get some shopping done earlier in the week, and would maybe ask that each of you could bring some sort of dessert/snack! Thanks!

See y’all at okie dogs!

Victoria Day = No Youth

2010-05-18T13:30:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder first of all that there is no youth this week because of the long weekend. I hope you are able to spend some fun time together as a family! I’m doing some serious fishing!!!!

Also, a reminder that your payment for the remaining balance of your SERVE registration costs are due no later than June 4 (this means you can even give them to me early)! PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO “WILLOWLAKE BAPTIST CHURCH” and either hand deliver them to me or leaven them in an envelope in my church mailbox. I’ll send out an email to those involved with SERVE detailing their remaining costs. Thank you!

June 4th will be our grad party. This year we are honouring Gordon McNabb and Emily Diehl!!!! We may do a small potluck; I will let you know next week.

Peace

Money In The Bank

2010-05-04T01:38:00.001-05:00

The chilli cook-off raised $397 for our trip to SERVE; this means that our transportation costs are pretty much covered now! Most of you worked pretty hard and for that I am grateful. Also, thanks to the parents who helped out and big thanks to those without children who pitched in and ensured I was able to leave the church at a decent time!

This week we will be at the church on Friday night from 7:00-10:00 PM. See ya then!

Roller Disco!

2010-04-25T15:14:00.001-05:00

Hey hey,

so this week we are heading to Wheelies for a night of rollerskating with the pre-teens; should be a blast!!!! Cost is only $4/teen and we will take care of snacks. Don’t worry if you can’t skate, neither can I! We will tie a pillow to our butts and give ‘er! Meet at the church on Friday at 6:30. If it is more convenient, parents can drop off their kids at the roller rink for 7:15. Pick up at the rink at 9:15 or at the church at 10 pm. YOU MUST EMAIL CLIFF BY WEDNESDAY EVENING IF YOU ARE COMING SO RIDES CAN BE ARRANGED!

Also:

Don’t forget that Sunday is our Chilli cook-off fund-raiser! For those of you coming to SERVE please do not forget to bring the items that you were asked to bring.

Word

What to do, what to do...

2010-04-19T23:27:00.002-05:00

Hey all,
yup, I am in Vancouver once again; just had some amazing sushi with Katie's cousin and trying to psych myself up for another 8 hours of instruction tomorrow. The people and instructors are great, but it's hard to stay interested when there are mountains and ocean taunting you right outside the window!

Anyways, there IS youth group this Friday . . . I am just not quite sure what we are doing yet! lol. Busy week for me; I was throwing around the idea of having a video game and ping-tac-toe tournament. This would be a good and fun event to invite friends to, so teen send me an email by Thursday if there is interest from friends as well.

At any rate, no matter what we end up doing this week, it will be at Willowlake on Friday, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM! Hope to see you all then!

Oh, and get selling those fund-raiser items for your SERVE registration, and don't forget about the chilli cookoff coming up!

Here's a question: how do you spell 'chilli'? One spell-check says it's with one 'l' another says it's with two. Hmmmmmm...

Cliff

Hey Hey

2010-04-14T10:42:00.001-05:00

Hey all, if you didn’t hear yet, we raised $200.50 at the coffee house last week! God job on the hard work everybody!

This week we are meeting on Friday night from 7:00 – 10:00 PM at Willowlake. Bring out a friend if you can! We’ll play some games, maybe even have some prizes (yay for dollar store toys & lead poisoning! :p).

I will have order forms and sale sheets for teens going to SERVE at youth this week as well. We are selling frozen foods such as pizzas and desserts and should be a pretty easy way to raise most of the cash for your individual registrations (I hope!). I will show the teens how to fill out the forms on Friday night. Also don’t forget that Sunday May 2nd we will be holding our 2nd group fundraiser after church. It’s the annual chilli cook-off so dig out those recipes and jalapenos! Each teen going to SERVE will be asked to bring either a salad or dessert (I’ll let you know closer to the date what to bring).

Coffee & Entertainment

2010-04-06T08:24:00.001-05:00

This week we are having a coffee house at Cornerstone Baptist Church to raise funds for our SERVE 2010 trip! If you are coming to SERVE then you are asked to be at Cornerstone by 5:45 PM. The coffee house goes from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Make sure to invite some friends out to it; the more people we get the more $$$ we raise :) Willyn Whiting will be performing a few songs, along with some people from Cornerstone.

Hope to see you there!

Good Friday – No Youth

2010-03-30T14:06:00.001-05:00

There is no youth group this week for Good Friday. There is, however, a Good Friday service at Willowlake at 10:30 AM. Other churches from the city will be joining us. If you’re around plan on attending; Easter Sunday services are often hard to find a seat, yet Good Friday we find churches coming together in order to have enough people.

To quote my New Testament professor, Benno Przybylski, “Isn’t it strange that so many Christians want to celebrate resurrection without first experiencing death? This is impossible. Before Jesus could be resurrected he had to die. If we don’t experience the agony of death on Good Friday, we will never be able to fully appreciate the joy of resurrection on Easter Sunday. Death and resurrection go together.”

See you Friday!

Did you forget something??? :)

2010-03-23T02:02:00.002-05:00

Hello everybody.

First, my blackberry is out of commission for a couple days while I wait for some parts to come in the mail, so if you need to get a hold of me email is the way to go until at least Wednesday.

Second, I'm guessing that a few of you have forgotten about SERVE???? I needed the deposits and waivers in last Sunday, and have only received from Micah, Willyn, and Baden. Please contact me this week if you need to make other arrangements financially. I need to get everyone's waivers into the CBWC offices next week!!!!! Thanks.

This week we will be meeting at the church on Friday, from 7-10! Hope to see you then!

Changes for Youth This Week

2010-03-15T13:31:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone, I am home! Thanks so much for your prayers, support, and understanding of my desire to go and serve in Haiti. Right now my mind is still in Haiti; I’m finding it hard still to think clearly and am still processing all that I experienced there. Please pray for the people and country of Haiti; God is definitely at work there, but so is evil and corruption. I’ll post some pictures below for you to take a peek at.

I have some unfortunate news for our youth group; Siloam Mission has decided to strictly enforce their age limits and legal requirements which has effectively made any further involvement for our group and Cornerstone in the near future virtually impossible. This week we will, as a result, meet at Willowlake from 7-10PM. I will make a presentation to the teens on my trip and we will talk about possible ways we can help, even as teenagers half a world away! I look forward to seeing you all again. BRING A FRIEND SO THEY CAN HEAR ABOUT THE MIGHTY WORK GOD CAN DO EVEN IN THE DARKEST MOMENTS OF LIFE!!!!

This is where my team and I stayed; camped out on the roof of a house!

The sweetest little boy you will ever meet!

A church in downtown Port-au-Prince

That’s all the pictures you get for now; you have to come Friday to see the real pictures and hear the stories!

Love you all,

Cliff

Youth for March 5th & 12th

2010-03-01T09:45:00.001-06:00

As you all know, I will be travelling to Haiti for a short mission trip from March 6 – 12. Unfortunately, this is going to have an affect on youth group for the next two weeks.

This week, Friday March 5th, we will meet at Willowlake for a shortened youth group from 7-9 PM. This will be a games night so bring a friend; the more people the better the games!

I arrive back in Winnipeg Friday March 12 at 8 PM, but I’m guessing after a straight 24 hours of travelling that I won’t be up for youth. My faithful volunteers are busy on other possible nights for next week, so I think we will just cancel the youth group for March 12. I’m hoping that Sunday, March 14 I will be able to talk a bit more with the youth about my trip, so make sure you’re in church and Sunday school that day!

If the times this Friday don’t work for you with the earlier pickup please do your best to make alternate arrangements. I would really like to see all the teens before I leave, but I know that the 9 PM pickup time might be hard for some to swing with other commitments.

Peace

This Week

2010-02-23T10:16:00.001-06:00

Hey everybody! Not much exciting stuff to write this week; it’s an ‘ordinary’ youth group on Friday from 7 – 10 PM. Look forward to seeing everyone there!

Goin' for Gold!

2010-02-16T17:41:00.002-06:00

This post actually has nothing to do with the Olympics but I just finished watching Maelle Ricker win Canada's second gold for the 2010 games and getting ready to watch Canada's men take to the ice for the first time (note, the "Eh oh Canada go!" chant is not the TRUE Canadian chant!!! It's "Go Canada Go!" always has been, always will be; do NOT let some company tell you it's o.k. to change a notional chant - especially gross Pepsi) =)

Ok, with that out of the way, this week's youth is SATURDAY MORNING @ SILOAM MISSION! The time has changed also from our regular trips to Siloam so pay close attention to this. Drop-off at Siloam at 8:30 AM and pickup at 11:00 AM!!!!

Remember, parents are more than welcome to attend!!! Go ahead, surprise me! :)

Peace,
Cliff

Youth Moved to Feb 15th

2010-02-08T10:49:00.001-06:00

Hey all,

a reminder that there is no youth on Friday, February 12th; we will be participating in ‘family fun day’ with the rest of the church on Monday, February 15th instead! Check out the poster below for more info. Invite friends and bring a toboggan. See you Monday!

Coming Up & Congrats!

2010-01-31T21:43:00.001-06:00

So it seems that between my schooling schedule & going to other events, we haven’t hit a groove yet for 2010 in the youth group. We were supposed to go to Missions Fest this week, but in search of that elusive “groove” I’ve decided to cancel that trip and instead just have an “ordinary” youth night at Willowlake. So, Feb 5th, 7:00 – 10:00 PM at Willowlake. Games, Bible study, and chillin’. :) Hope to see ALL of you there!!!

Also, a big congrats to Willowlake’s very own Gordon McNabb! He travelled to Edmonton this past week for a huge wrestling tournament and took home the gold medal! Gord-o is a madman! If you see him be sure to give him a high-five!

Youth Worship Concert

2010-01-25T19:13:00.002-06:00

This week we are heading back to Church of the Way to join them and Cornerstone's youth group for games and worship. Church of the Way's own youth band will be performing on this night! We will meet at Willowlake to leave there by 6:45 PM!!! Pickup will be at Willowlake @ 9:30 PM!!! For some of you, it may be easier to meet us at Church of the Way for 7:00 PM and get picked up from there at 9:00 PM, just let me know what you plan on doing! I've included a map for the church below.

See you on Friday!
Cliff (Michael)

View Larger Map

A Prayer Request!

2010-01-16T12:33:00.001-06:00

Many of you know that in the summer of 2008 I also worked for a youth ministry run out of Bethlehem Aboriginal Fellowship in Winnipeg's North End. This church is just as important to me personally as Willowlake is. Not only did I work there, but Katie's uncle, Dietrich Desmarais is also the lead pastor there.

Early today (I believe; possibly last night) the church's sprinkler system burst causing extensive flooding to the church and also started a small electrical fire. The fire department has closed the church for safety reasons until an inspection can be completed and I am sure there will be a lot of work that is needed to be done. The church's staff and board are meeting tomorrow (Sunday) at 4:00 PM to plan their next course of action.

This ministry reaches out to many of Winnipeg's disadvantaged and is a wonderful community of love and acceptance! Let's hold them up in prayer; God has a plan in all of this, I am sure . . . now we just have to pray, help if/when/where we can, and wait and see what God has in store!

Peace,

Michael AKA Cliffy

Haiti & Willowlake Youth

2010-01-13T19:00:00.001-06:00

So I can't seem to shake the images from Haiti out of my mind today (and I haven't even seen pictures, just listening on the radio!). I think the obvious thing we should be doing right now is to remember to pray for all in Haiti and their loved ones across the globe that are worrying. Being so far away it is hard to do much else; however, the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has already committed $100,000 US and is expected to commit to a total of $1,000,000.00 over the next few years in initial disaster relief and re-building projects. CBC radio this afternoon projected that the death toll could reach as high as 500,000 people - that's almost all of Winnipeg gone in a flash! If you want to donate to the MCC to help with their efforts you can do so online at http://mcc.org/ or you can bring cash this Friday night to youth group and I will donate on your behalf Friday evening - we'll do it at youth group on my computer. At this time MCC can only take cash donations though within a week (at the earliest) they may be able to start taking things like clothing, blankets, toiletries, etc. Perhaps we can do something more at that time?

We help others locally with our work at Siloam, this is just an opportunity to reach out further - and there's no pressure here; if you can't donate at this time you can't donate =) Like I said, prayer should be #1 right now anyways.

Peace,
Cliff

What up? Ain’t no thing!

2010-01-11T22:50:00.001-06:00

Hey everybody,

this week is just an “ordinary” week, but as you know, whenever Cliff is around nothing is ordinary! We will gather @ Willowlake on Friday night from 7-10 PM and take some time to hang out, play some games, and talk about JESUS.

Also I am hoping to have the first of the Serve 2010 information available for you on Friday night! If you don’t know what Serve is then you better come to youth and find out!!! :)

***Also: I am back to Vancouver for another week of school on Jan 17-22 so there will be no youth on the 22nd. Can you please pray for me? I’m sure you think going to Van-city so much is cool and exciting, and it was for about the 1st day, but after this trip I will have spent 20 days of the last 120 in Vancouver away from my wife and all of you; it’s a little draining :’( ***

Peace!

First Youth of 2010!

2010-01-05T13:28:00.001-06:00

Alright, there’s not much snow yet on the hills and it’s looking a little cold for Friday evening so we will wait for tobogganing. This week we will have youth at the Church from 7-10 PM and we will be welcoming the grade seven students into our midst! This will be a night full of games and entertainment (Cliffy be the entertainment :p). See you all Friday!

Tobogganing?

2010-01-04T19:54:00.001-06:00

I was talking with Virginia Moore today and we thought it might be fun to go tobogganing this Friday evening with the pre-teen group! Still not sure where we would go or the exact times, but this is just a heads up. Can you let me know if you’re interested or not?

Hockey Change of Date

2009-12-31T11:57:00.001-06:00

Those old folks decided they needed more time to prepare for us! :p The hockey game has been moved to Jan 10 instead. Please email me if you are interested and I will see you all next week!

2010: The Year of Youthful Domination at WBC?

2009-12-23T18:48:00.001-06:00

When’s the last time you skated? It’s been at least 13 years for myself and I imagine that the little skill I had has long since left me. However, it may be time to prove that theory. The young adults at church have challenged the youth to a hockey game after church on January 3rd! Are you in or are you out? This is no time to back down from such a challenge; rather, we should rise up as a united front of youth at our (ok, your) physical peak! Sounds like it will be a sponge puck so the old folks don’t have to worry about their dentures! :p

So, make sure to bring your skates and a stick on Jan 3rd!!!! And, does anybody have an extra pair of skates, size 9?

Merry Christmas!

Clark Griswold & the Birth of our Saviour!

2009-12-14T12:46:00.001-06:00

We will celebrate Christmas this Friday at youth group with a pizza party (free), gift exchange ($5 or under = dollorama!), and the watching of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (AWESOME!!!). Bring a friend, but don’t forget to email me by Wednesday to let me know if you (and friends) are coming so I can get enough supplies and food!!! Also, we decided at the last youth group that we should wear our “best” Christmas sweaters to the party; hopefully you have one in the back of your closet and if you don’t just ask your dad or mom for any kind of funky sweater (parents usually have at least ONE). I think this will be a pretty sweet time if I do say so myself!

DON’T FORGET THE TIME CHANGE FOR THIS WEEK, TOO! 6:30 – 9:30 PM!!

Later :D

Back in Action

2009-12-08T13:16:00.001-06:00

Hey my peeps! I’m back from Vancouver (where it was +5 and sunny all weekend) and ready for this week @ youth! We will continue with our Bible study this Friday; this will be the last time we use this curriculum – I’m going back to my own for the new year. This week is a regular Friday night youth.

Next week (Dec 18) we will meet on Friday from 6:30-9:30 PM at the church. We will have pizza, play some games, and trade some presents! Pizza will be FREE!!!!! BUT, I need to know how many will be coming, so please let me know by Dec 16, ok?!?!?! The presents should be cheap, I’m thinking $5.00 and under, what do you think? Invite some friends if you like, this is another one of those “easier than normal” youth groups to invite your friends to!

Word up

No Youth This Week

2009-12-01T12:31:00.002-06:00

Hi all,
just a reminder that I am in Vancouver this week so there is no youth group. Next week will be at the church, same time as usual, and Dec 18th will be at the church also - I am wondering about a 6:30 - 9:30 time for the 18th as we will have a pizza party that night. Thoughts?

Also, be sure to keep our friend Emily and all her family in your prayers as they grieve the loss of Emily's grandfather, Les.

Peace,
Cliffy

I Mosh for Jesus

2009-11-25T16:40:00.002-06:00

Hey peeps, been having internet troubles this week, hence the late post. We are going to Church of the Way this Friday for a concert. Meet at Willowlake at 6:30 PM - We should be back to Willowlake around 9:30 PM. I'll try and give you all a call tonight to see how many people are coming - if we don't have enough room for everybody we will meet at Church of the Way instead.

Later skater

This Week

2009-11-16T17:15:00.002-06:00

It's once again time to serve others! We will be back to Siloam Mission this Saturday, from 8 AM to 11 AM! Parents, consider coming and sharing in this experience with the youth! Meet and pick-up at Siloam.

Later

Music!

2009-11-14T17:37:00.003-06:00

So, after much talk the past couple years, it's time to get in the groove! Willowlake is full of musically gifted people, and this includes the teens. At last night's youth group we discussed the possibility (again) of starting a youth worship band, and are attempting to move forward with this idea.

The first step is trying to figure out a regular time to practice, which would need to be between Sundays and Wednesdays as the Worship team practices Thursday nights and we don't want to mess around with their soundboard settings. The idea is to practice on a regular basis so that once we are used to playing with each other we may be able to play on a (somewhat) regular basis in church. For myself, every second Sunday after church for an hour and a half would work well, and I am wondering what would work for those interested and their parents? Please let me know ASAP so that we can begin to organize and practice!

Who's interested?!?! Once we get organized and in a groove this will be something that the teens will be in charge of and I will be an "advisor" shall we say :)

See you all Sunday!

A Blue Day Indeed :(

2009-11-09T22:23:00.003-06:00

First off, thanks for all the emails of sympathy . . . it has been over 24 hours and I am now able to get out of bed and face the day once again. I have no doubts that the Bombers will win the Grey Cup next year! :p

Make sure to check out the calendar as next week and the week after we will be away from the church. Next week is at Siloam Mission, and the time is moved to 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM; the week after we will be going to Church of the Way for a concert (no cost), and leave Willowlake at 6:30 PM and pick up at 9:30.

This week we will be at the church for our regular Friday evening. See ya then!

Cliff

Take Your Kid to Work Day!

2009-11-04T14:56:00.004-06:00

Daniel Pooley can't go to work with his mom today because of all the H1N1 paranoia, so he came over to my place to see what I do all day . . . I had to think fast and make it look like something went down here! We took some video footage from last week's youth group & pre-teen event and have compiled it into a masterpiece you can viewby clicking here! Get the popcorn on!

We will be meeting at Willowlake this week from 7-10 PM. See ya then!

Rwanda Lunch!

2009-11-01T13:44:00.003-06:00

Thanks to all the teens and parents that helped out in one way or another for Emily's fundraiser lunch today; I know she is truly grateful! The lunch raised $426.52 for her trip to Ubuntu in March of 2010 and you all played a part in the success! Be sure to keep the trip in your prayers over the coming months; for funds to be raised, safety of Emily and the group, and that even though this isn't a "Christian missions" trip, that Emily would be able to show the love of God to both her friends on the trip and the people they work with in Rwanda.
Peace,
Cliffy

ROCK THE HOUSE!!!!!

2009-10-27T22:54:00.003-05:00

Hey all,
I was just extended an invitation to a pretty sweet event on Saturday night!!!! Cornerstone ALLIANCE (not our Baptist friends) will be hosting an event called "Rock the House" on Saturday night from 8:30 - Midnight. they will have a speaker, lots of fun, and 3 rockin bands! Cornerstone Alliance is just a little north of us, on the other side of Fermor. This would be in addition to our Friday night event, so just let me know if you're coming!!!!! This would be a great thing to do on a Saturday night and a chance to meet some new peeps from youth groups in the area! I am really excited about this event and hope you can come! Let me know ASAP if you're interested (parents would have to drop off and pick up at the Alliance church).

View Larger Map

Upcoming Youth & Lunch Fundraiser!!!!

2009-10-26T15:43:00.002-05:00

Don't forget that this coming Sunday we will be holding a pancake lunch to raise funds for Emily Diehl's trip to Rwanda in March of 2010. Teens are asked to bring a dessert item on Sunday. We will also be setting up for the lunch on Friday at youth.

Youth takes place from 7-10PM this Friday at the church, and we'll be joining the pre-teens for about an hour for some AMAZING games!

Please remember to bring your desserts on Sunday!
Thanks

Time Change for This Week

2009-10-22T12:45:00.002-05:00

As per the email sent out the other day, we will only be having youth from 7-9 PM this week! We will do a shortened Bible study, and spend about an hour just hanging out and playing that amazing game that Micheal Berryman invented the other week!

See you tomorrow!

MB Youth Retreat

2009-10-12T22:52:00.003-05:00

***POST-EVENT UPDATE***

Well we all survived the weekend and I think even took a few lessons away from it too! Our speaker, Lynn Cole, blessed us not only with her testimony but also some very Biblical truths into her message. Claire McLean, the CBWC Youth Director, made it out from Vancouver to get to know our teens (and leaders). I've put up a few pictures just to prove we went and that I didn't take them to Vegas for the weekend or something ;)

Alrighty, we are only a few days away from the MB Youth Retreat! Be at the church Friday night by 5:45 PM at the latest. We are leaving at 6:00 PM sharp! We will be back on Sunday hopefully around 1 PM but will call each parent as we are about to leave the camp.

Be sure to pack warm clothes!!! Also bring:

BIBLE

Sleeping Bag
Pillow
Toothbrush & Junk
Maybe a few bucks for vending machine

This Week

2009-10-08T13:31:00.002-05:00

Hey, just a reminder that Youth is at Willowlake this week, Friday 7-10. We will be starting a new Bible study and this ain't no normal Bible study! Bring your friends back too! See you Friday night.

Talking to Myself!

2009-10-05T17:08:00.003-05:00

Youth is at Willowlake this week, 7-10 PM.

I NEED YOUR REGISTRATION FORMS FOR THE RETREAT HANDED IN THEN!!!!!! Get it? Got it? GOOD! :) If you haven't emailed me yet, but you want to come, contact me ASAP; my vehicle is full but we can try and figure something else out too!

Word.

WATCH ME! I'M AN INTERNET SENSATION!

2009-09-29T21:10:00.002-05:00

Let's Try This Again!

2009-09-22T14:52:00.003-05:00

o.k., the following is a cut&paste of last week's blog. It's important that parent's & teens read it and respond to it . . . otherwise I will rule the youth group like an Orwellian authoritarian leader, muahahahahaha!!!! :p But, seriously, please read this and use the comment section below to respond!

This past Friday the youth in attendance discussed what the meaning of our Youth Group is, and what we would like to focus on throughout this year. Of course, things like having fun and playing games were mentioned, and this is something we will continue to do. The other three most mentioned aspects were:
1. Taking [even] more of a focus on service opportunities to show Christ's love to others around us.

2. Study the Bible more in-depth; this could possibly mean lengthening Bible Study/Devotional times up to half an hour or even an hour.

3. Not only becoming more mature Disciples of Christ ourselves, but also looking at ways we can help our friends become Disciples of Christ . . . Evangelism!

For those of you who were not in attendance (and even those who were), what are your thoughts? Parents, this includes you too! What do you think the focus of Youth Group should be and what does this look like? Should we cut Youth Group back to a two hour event each week and add a bi-weekly Bible Study on Wednesday (or any other appropriate) nights? Maybe we can do online Bible studies by using the comment section on this blog!?!? What are some service activities that we can do, and should these be in the wider community of Winnipeg, such as Wpg Harvest & Siloam, or in the more immediate community of Southdale?

We also discussed the possibility of giving a name to our group rather than just "Youth Group." Something that expresses what we are about as a group and would look cool on a t-shirt :p Some of the names tossed around were, "Soulfire", "20Verse9" [from Jer. 20:9], "F2L" [a Fish & Two Loaves, hahaha!], and, well I forget the others [they're on the other computer right now, I'll get them later]. Anybody else have some ideas?

Use the comment link below to share your thoughts with myself and the others! Be sure to use your name so we know who we're talking to!

Gonna be amazin'!!!!

2009-09-21T17:41:00.002-05:00

We are heading to Amazein Corn this Friday! Be at the church by 6:30; pickup will be at 10:00 PM. COST IS $5.00 for regular youth; free for friends!!!!! Make sure to bring a friend along! And also, I'm still waiting for those emails to confirm that you're coming. Let me know tonight so we can get a rough idea of how many vehicles we'll need. If a friend decides to come in the next day or two.

Also, don't forget I need your registration forms for the MB Youth Retreat this Friday. I'm gone to Vancouver next week, so if the forms aren't handed in to me this Friday we'll have a tough time getting you registered. Remember, you don't have to pay ANYTHING to go on this retreat!

Later

This Week & Last Week

2009-09-14T16:13:00.005-05:00

Youth Group is on Saturday this week (Sep 19th) at Siloam Mission. Meet there for 8:00 AM; you all know the drill by now! We'll be helping with the prep for lunch and distributing breakfast along with the youth from Cornerstone! Pickup is at Siloam at 11:00 AM.

This past Friday the youth in attendance discussed what the meaning of our Youth Group is, and what we would like to focus on throughout this year. Of course, things like having fun and playing games were mentioned, and this is something we will continue to do. The other three most mentioned aspects were:

Taking [even] more of a focus on service opportunities to show Christ's love to others around us.
Study the Bible more in-depth; this could possibly mean lengthening Bible Study/Devotional times up to half an hour or even an hour.
Not only becoming more mature Disciples of Christ ourselves, but also looking at ways we can help our friends become Disciples of Christ . . . Evangelism!

For those of you who were not in attendance (and even those who were), what are your thoughts? Parents, this includes you too! What do you think the focus of Youth Group should be and what does this look like? Should we cut Youth Group back to a two hour event each week and add a bi-weekly Bible Study on Wednesday (or any other appropriate) nights? Maybe we can do online Bible studies by using the comment section on this blog!?!? What are some service activities that we can do, and should these be in the wider community of Winnipeg, such as Wpg Harvest & Siloam, or in the more immediate community of Southdale?

We also discussed the possibility of giving a name to our group rather than just "Youth Group." Something that expresses what we are about as a group and would look cool on a t-shirt :p Some of the names tossed around were, "Soulfire", "20Verse9" [from Jer. 20:9], "F2L" [a Fish & Two Loaves, hahaha!], and, well I forget the others [they're on the other computer right now, I'll get them later]. Anybody else have some ideas?

Use the comment link below to share your thoughts with myself and the others! Be sure to use your name so we know who we're talking to!

Cheese!

Cliffy

Gimme Your Lunch Money!

2009-09-09T16:38:00.002-05:00

Well it's back to school for you and me! Are you as excited as I am? No? OK, well, let's ease the pain of the back to school blues with some good times and good food this Friday! First youth group of the year at Willowlake from 7-10 PM this Friday (Sep 11). Bring $2.00 for the pizza, and bring a friend or two also! We won't make first timers pay though :D

Notice that next week youth is Saturday morning at Siloam Mission from 8-11 AM. We'll be serving breakfast again to those in need of shelter and/or food.

Also, the Manitoba Youth Retreat is once again being held at Winkler Bible Camp! The dates are October 16-18. I'll be giving you registration forms ASAP. Because Serve '09 didn't work out for us this year we'll be using the money you worked hard to raise for your registration cost!

Talk to you soon!
Michael, aka Mike, aka Cliff, aka Cliffy, aka That Guy

Youth is Almost Upon Us!!!

2009-08-31T23:17:00.002-05:00

First Youth Group of the Year: September 11th

We will meet for our first youth group on Friday September 11th from 7—10 PM @ Willowlake. Pizza is on the menu, so bring $2 to help offset the cost a bit! Food is always a good way to help kick things off and it’s a good way to convince your friends to come to something! Think about inviting a friend, and don’t worry about first timers having to pay; well take care of them!
We’ll also have a few volunteers helping out this year and some of them will be on hand to help us kick off the year in fun!

Spotlight

The Youth Blog & Calendar is updated and will be our main source of communication again this year! Make it your home page and pay close attention to the calendar and new posts. Once you get used to it you’ll wonder how we ever functioned without it!

What is the point of Willowlake Youth Group?

Seriously. What is the point of youth? This is something I would like us to think about over the next week and a half. Talk about it with your family. Do we want to be equipped to evangelize to friends and strangers? Do we want to take a more missional approach, helping others in need more often? Do we want to dig deeper in issues like “being in the world, but not of it”?
Direction is key to running any group successfully, so it’s time we pull out our compass and try and figure out where we are going! We’ll discuss our thoughts over the first night of youth and likely continue the discussion for a while. Your opinion matters!

Youth Blog & Calendar

Like the “Spotlight” above states, the BLOG will be your main source of info for all things youth group this year! Please get into the habit of checking it often; I want to see that stats counter moving up and up! The calendar at the top of the blog gives you months in advance notice of what will be happening with the group. Things like October’s Youth Retreat at Winkler Bible Camp are already on the calendar. Explore the different viewing options available on the calendar by clicking the different tabs (“week”, “month”, “agenda”) and see which works best for you. You can click on events to get a pop-up that gives more info on the event.

Hola from Mexico!

2009-07-10T21:18:00.013-05:00

Hey everybody! I'm sitting on the balcony of our condo, watching the sunset over the ocean; pretty sweet view, eh!? AND I've made it almost two whole weeks without getting in trouble with my new wife :p

I hope you all are having a good start to the summer.

I just wanted to write a quick post as the date for Serve '09 is quickly approaching and I had talked about trying to make alternate arrangements with Siloam Mission for a service project of our own with them in August. As of yet, I have still not heard back from Siloam and I wrote them three weeks ago now (I also have not heard back from most of you concerning your vacation schedules). So as of right now, I am not sure if a project with Siloam is at all possible.

This got me to thinking a little bit. This past Sunday, Katie and I attended a church service at a neighbouring resort. This small church runs a mission at the Puerto Vallarta city garbage dump. Yes, at the garbage dump. You see, some families live at the dump; they make homes out of scraps found in the dump and try to eek out a living by collecting recyclables and scrap metal to sell. The people live, eat, and breathe in the city garbage dump every day of their lives! This picture to the right is a picture of some of their homes. The brown bed mattress with vertical stripes in the middle of the picture is actually the doorway to a family's home.

So Katie and I decided to go with the group and help distribute breakfast to the children that live there and play some games with them for a few hours on Tuesday morning. The kids came running out at each of the three usual stops, some with shopping bags so they can carry food back for their younger siblings, and all with smiles on their faces, though they were a little bit shy. It was so hot there (and a little bit stinky) that I found it hard trying to imagine what it would be like to live in such conditions.

The program is actually run by Canadians who now live in Puerto Vallarta full time; some of them used to go to my sister-in-law's church in Winnipeg so we had heard about this program a few months ago and had actually decided then that we would spend one day of our honeymoon working with this group. It wasn't much really; we took four hours out of our two weeks down here to "help" in a very tiny way. But I thought there was a great lesson here for all of us . . . We don't need to fund-raise and plan a year ahead to help others.

Wherever we are, there are always opportunities to serve others - and in doing so, serving Christ at the same time - it doesn't have to be with other youth groups, or even organisations like this one in Mexico. The opportunity is always there and, as young disciples of Christ, it is up to us to take advantage of those opportunities. One more quick example: on our first full day in Mexico we decided to walk a half hour down the beach to a small town just to look at the little shops and have lunch at one of the great restaurants on the beach. MMMM, fish tacos! Walking the beach you are constantly bombarded by people selling all sorts of things; there are especially a large number of families and young children selling necklaces and different crafts. The children are likely used as a "pity factor". If I had the money I definitely would buy from every young boy and girl on the beach; unfortunately, I'm so broke I can't even pay attention :p Anyways, Katie and I had our great lunch, but there was so much that we were unable to finish it. We waved two of the little girls selling necklaces on the beach over and shared the remainder of our lunch with them. There was a slight language barrier to say the least, but with my weak Spanish, and a few gestures we were able to discover each other's names, their ages, and that . . . they have Jesus in their hearts. God provides opportunities for us to share our resources and to share His love with others every second of every day!

This isn't a post to say "look at Michael, he's such a good Christian." It's a simple, humble post, using my life as a small example of what we are all capable of doing, whether you are at Serve '09 in Swift Current, on your honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on summer vacation in Winnipeg, MB, or wherever else you are and what you're doing right now! It's great to participate in things like Serve with other youth groups (and we will next summer in Flin Flon, MB!) but God is always calling us to serve others. Please think about this and discuss it as a family! What are ways you can serve others and God right in your neighbourhood, church, school, band camp, etc.?

Can't wait to see everybody again in a few weeks! Hope your summer is going well!
Love and Blessings,
Michael

p.s. I have lots more to say! lol, but for now, just check out the rest of the pics below :)

That's all Folks!

2009-06-17T00:50:00.003-05:00

This weekend will be our final youth group of the school year! We are heading to Siloam Mission one last time before the fall on Saturday morning from 8:00 am - 11:00 am. Please get dropped off and picked up at Siloam.

**********

Also, very important: I have not received the final funds from a number of teens for the Serve trip and have only been contacted by one concerning making alternate arrangements. I have received yet another extension, but I MUST have those funds in my posession this Sunday at church . . . please. :p

I will have some forms for the youth to sign and a small booklet for the teens to go over concerning the Serve trip. This Sunday is also my last Sunday in church until the last weekend of July.

See you Saturday
Cliffy ;)